Messersmith Family

In March of 2023, Jeremy was biopsied and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which affects less than 1% of the population. He then had a port placed and began the initial standard chemo treatment. Later that year, in June, a pet scan revealed that there was insignificant progress, which resulted in a medication change. In September, when his chemo should have ended, a pet scan showed new and existing cancer growth.

In October of 2023, Jeremy and Amanda met with a new oncologist in Indianapolis, where he began a new type of chemo that lasted for 6 weeks. Jeremy was recommended a stem cell transplant if and when he showed remission after his next pet scan. At the time of his next pet scan, it showed remission and he was stem cell transplant ready.

In December of 2023, Jeremy had many appointments for testing and preparation before the transplant. He then began injections to produce stem cells. January 1-3, he went to Indianapolis for tests, injections, and surgery to place a central line (in addition to his existing port), and an autologous stem cell collection. On January 9th, Jeremy will go to IU Health Simon Cancer Center for a 3-4 week stay to undergo an aggressive chemo treatment. Because he will have zero immune system and this chemo is so dangerous, he will be under 24 hour monitoring and care by a medical team. After the chemo, he will receive the stem cells back to begin his process of building a new immune system, and will remain in the hospital until he is cleared to leave.

Once Jeremy is home, he will need monitoring and care for 24 hours a day for at least the first 30 days due to the poor condition he is expected to be in while beginning recovery. Because of the hardships the family is experiencing and the monitoring that Jeremy will need from the family, we are raising funds to help support the family while they are absent from work. Any donation would be greatly appreciated!